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Argh, these assignments are annoying. They mean I can only update once a week instead of the usual two times. But not long now till they are finished and all can return to normal.

Enjoy the chapter and let me know what you think…

This chapter is named after "Home" by the Foo Fighters, the greatest band EVER!!!! No question about it, end of conversation!

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight… as if you didn't know!

Bella Swan's Point of View

Engines whirred to life below us as I reclined into my plane seat, closed my eyes and allowed the plane I was on to take to the air. The plane was dark, people were silent, the engines roared, and Edward's cold hand remained tightly around my own.

I was pulled back into my seat as the plane gained speed and flew up into the night air, reaching the stars and taking me to the one place I wanted to be more than ever - home. Well… it wasn't home per say, I wouldn't be seeing my father or friends, but I was returning to America, and that was home enough for me. We eventually hit the air, the plane leveling out, and the lights came on, the seatbelt light going off, passengers free to walk around the plane.

This was it now, no turning back. Italy was gone.

America, here we come!

"Do you want anything to eat?" Edward suddenly interjected. "The stewardess is coming round in a while."

I shook my head. "No, I'm fine."

He smiled at me, squeezed my hand, leaned forward, and kissed my temple before he looked forward again, resting back into his own seat and closing his eyes in contentment. Following suit, I let out a sigh and allowed my mind to wonder…

We had made it, we had actually made it! The Volturi… their headquarters… Aro… We had left them all behind, hopefully never to be seen again. We had got to the airport in one piece, we had escaped from the Volturi without detection, and now we were on our way to America, going to Carlisle and going to safety.

How we had escaped without being seen, I did not know, but with the help of Alice, Jasper and Jacob, we had made it to fredom and now Edward and I were on our way to Washington.

As soon as Alice, Jacob and Jasper had arrived in my room that night, we had left the headquarters almost immediately, finding our way through the corridors of the house without being spotted. No sooner did we reach the grounds did we put our plan into action. The problem wasn't getting Edward out, it was me. Edward was always free to leave in order to hunt, but I wasn't.

Curling up into a ball, Jasper carried me against his chest, running across the grounds as fast as his feet would carry him. Vampiric speed allowed him a lot of momentum, so he managed to leap over the wall with me with such ease that I did not think it possible. Alice, Edward and Jacob followed close behind until all of us were clear and out onto the road.

Setting me back onto my feet, Jasper and Alice wished us a reluctant farewell, their part in our plan over. Alice collided with me in a hug, grasping me so tightly that I feared she would break my ribs!

"Oh please be careful," she cried as she buried her head into my chest. "Stay safe, please stay safe."

"I will, Alice, I promise," I told her, the tears building up a little in my eyes.

It was strange. I thought I would be happy to leave that terrible place, and in all honesty I was, but it was the people who I would miss, my new found friends. They meant everything to me and it pained me to think that I might never see them again. I hugged Alice back, holding her tightly and telling her with my actions how much I loved her and valued her friendship. I'd always miss the pixie, not knowing when our next meeting would be.

After hugging Jasper and saying my sad goodbyes to him as well, we were ready for stage two of the plan - get the hell as far from this place as we humanly could! Wow, cool code name! How long did it take you to come up with that?! Moving away to give himself some space, Jacob quickly phased, his wolf form much taller than I remembered. He really was something to look at, a beautiful specimen of what a werewolf should be. It was easy to see why Aro wanted him in the Volturi.

As Edward was unable to carry me due to being ladled with bags, I climbed onto Jacob's back with my vampire's help, and the three of us set off into the night, through the deep dark forest and to the airport, leaving the house far behind. I did not see Edward running due to the darkness, but I gripped onto Jake's brown fur as tightly as I could. I didn't like not seeing Edward, his body lost in the dark forest. I hate the darkness. I knew he was fine, but I just wanted the reassurance that he was still with us.

We continued running into the blackness of night, no sign of my Soother anywhere. It seemed that for now it was merely Jake and I… and I had to admit it was nice. Jacob was my best friend. Deep down, I knew that if I could not have Edward, then I would want him. It wasn't a romantic love; it was like the love of someone close to me, almost like my brother. So being alone with Jacob was enjoyable as I didn't know when I would be able to do it again. I closed my eyes, ducked down as much as I could on his back, grabbed his fur even more, and just let him run to our destination, enjoying his warmth and his company.

Minutes passed before his run slowed down to a trot, eventually stopping and coming to a complete halt. Edward was at my side almost instantly, his hand in mine. He helped me down from the tall werewolf's back and set me on my feet. I did not know where he had come from, but I was pleased that he was here now. Running behind a tree, Jacob phased back to his human form, wearing only a pair of shorts.

This was when a lump lodged itself in my throat, my mind suddenly realizing that we would now have to leave Jake too. The lights of the airport were in sight, so the werewolf was no longer needed in our plan.

I knew this was going to be hard, but I had to admit that this goodbye would be the hardest.

Jake was everything to me. He had always picked me up when I was down, kept me company when I was alone, made me smile when I was sad. Of all the creatures I had met through this, even when it came to Edward, Jake had been the one to welcome me first. Back on that lonely morning in the cottage, it was Jake who made me breakfast, it was he who smiled and made me feel at home. I loved Jacob so much… and now I would have to leave him.

So sooner did he come out from behind the tree did I run to him and wrap him in a hug. I held him to me, letting him know how much I'd miss him. He wrapped his arms around my body, hugging me with just as much intensity, the moment really affecting the two of us. Tears fell from my eyes, my heart sad and my mind knowing how much I would miss him. I buried my face in his shoulder and just wept.

"Don't cry, Bells," Jake told me. "This isn't goodbye, more like… see you later."

"But… but what if I don't see you later?" I sobbed, my voice muffled.

"Trust me, you will." He rubbed my back and kissed my cheek before reluctantly pulling away. I willed the tears away as I watched him standing there, his eyes as red and as puffy as mine. Why did it have to be like this, why couldn't we all stay together? Why did things have to be so hard?

So that left me where I now was, on a plane, going to America with my Soother seated safely at my side.

It was strange, but the escape had been both happy and sad all at the same time. Happy at the fact that I was finally out of there and on my way to freedom, yet sad over the fact I had left my friends behind. That was when I question sprang to mind.

"Edward?" I said. He opened his eyes and turned his head to look at me. "What will happen to them all? Alice, Jasper and Jacob I mean. What if Aro finds out about what they have done, will they be alright?"

Edward sighed and avoided my eyes. "I don't know."

My eyebrows furrowed. "But they could get in trouble for this; Aro could do anything to them."

"I know, and I'll always be sorry for that, but we can't focus on that now. They will take care of themselves; we just have to concentrate on getting you to safety."

"How can I not focus on that?" My voice suddenly became quite high and angry. "They are my friends, Edward, I can't forget about them when they could be in so much danger."

"Love, they knew what they were getting themselves into when they agreed to help us. We have to trust them on this one. They will be fine, they're doing all this for us, remember?"

My eyes dropped and looked down to my lap, my mood suddenly very melancholy. What if they were hurt? What if Aro did find out they had helped us? I couldn't even begin to think of the consequences. My friends… my best friends… hurt because of me...

Almost suddenly I was wrapped in a pair of marble arms, their cold temperature very welcoming. "Do not worry, Bella," Edward said to me. "Believe in them, trust them. They will be fine."

I nodded my head and I leaned into his body, enjoying his touch, wrapping myself up in his scent. I did not wholly believe Edward, but I trusted him for now. They would be alright, they had to be…

xXx

The taxi drive from the airport was quiet, Edward and I finding that there was no need for words. The silence was enough to keep us both happy and content. His hand stayed firmly in mine as I watched the houses pass by us, the rain of Washington a welcoming sight as it ran down the windows of the car like a waterfall.

Washington was just as I remembered it - it was still as wet and as cold as ever, the bad weather never letting up. That was the one thing I missed about Italy - the sun.

"How long till we get to Carlisle's house?" I asked Edward as we drove. It was after midday and I had to admit, I was getting a little hungry.

"Not long now, Love," Edward smiled. "About 5 minutes or so."

I nodded and turned back to look out of my window. It was odd being in Washington and not being able to go home or see Charlie. They were only a few mere minutes away, yet they could not know I was here. Aro would pounce on them for sure, no questions asked. Thank god Charlie had the wolves for protection… I wouldn't know what to do if he got hurt. It didnot even bare thinking about.

Eventually the houses began to get bigger and posher as we drove on, the main housing estates leaving us and the more private homes approaching.

Jeez, where do Carlisle and Esme live?

I didn't know, but from the looks of the area, I was going to be impressed.

"They won't eat me, will they?" I suddenly burst out. I had no idea where the question had come from, and I felt a little stupid for asking it.

Edward chuckled. "Of course not. They're on the same diet as me. Only animals, Bella."

I let out a relieved sigh at this, but still felt like an idiot. Of course they wouldn't eat me! Edward would never take me there if I was in any danger. I really needed my head testing at times!

Eventually, we turned off the road and began heading up a large drive, trees surrounding it on both sides. They were fresh and green, droplets of water covering them from the rain. It was all very fairytale… that was until I saw the house…

Woah!

It was… stunning. I could not think of any other words to describe it. It was tall and white with an old fashioned look about it. It must have been 3 stories tall, not to mention the beautiful forest that surrounded it. Carlisle and Esme clearly had some cash up their sleeves! I looked to Edward and I could see he was anxious.

"Nervous?" I asked Edward as the car eventually came to a stop.

"Very," he smiled, squeezing my hand. "I haven't seen Carlisle or Esme in decades. It's been far too long." I could see how tense his body was and I knew that he was frightened… and he every reason to be. These were his parents, the same parents he was taken from by Aro. He had not seen them in years, so whilst he was excited, he was scared too. In an attempt to ease him a little, I unbuckled my seatbelt, leaned over to him, held his fae his my hands and placed my lips lightly upon his own.

"You don't have to worry," I told him softly, running my thumbs across his marbl cheeks. "I'm here, just remember that. I know it's nerve racking, but you will be fine."

He smiled and pressed his forehead to mine. "Thank you," he whispered.

Slowly but surely, we got out of the taxi, collected our bags, and paid the driver before he drove away. Edward just stood there, staring at the front door, his chest rising and falling fast. I smiled softly as I took his hand and began walking him to the door. "Relax," I said. "I'm here if you need me."

I rang the doorbell and we both stood there, waiting. Butterflies crept their way into my stomach as I myself became a little anxious. I was in the dark here as much as my Soother was. I had no idea what to expect. I could only hope that this turned out well. Suddenly, footsteps could be heard and before I knew it, the door slowly opened.

In the door way stood a man, a blonde man, no older than 23 or 24. He, like Edward and like Alice and like Jasper, was extremely beautiful, almost like a supermodel or something. His pale white skin gave his identity away and I rubbed my thump across the back of Edward's hand. This, I assumed, was Dr Carlisle Cullen.

"Edward?" he spoke. I felt Edward shake a little.

"Carlisle," he smiled.

"Edward!" Carlisle cried once again before he took a step forward and embraced his son in a hug, Edward soon returning it. I just stood by and grinned, thankful that this had all worked out. This moment, it was special. This was Edward meeting his parents again after so long and after so much heartbreak. I knew that if he could, he would be crying right now, but they would be tears of pure and utter joy and elation. I didn't need Jasper's ability to feel the happiness pouring from these two vampires, it was clear for all to see.

"It's so good to see you," Carlisle smiled.

"You too," said Edward, his voice muffled by his father's shoulder. "You too."

"Is it him, is it him?" came a feminine voice. Next thing I knew, a woman appeared in the doorway, her face curious. Her hair was long and the color of caramel, the frame petit and her voice kind and caring. This must have been Esme.

"Yes, it's him," beamed Carlisle before he passed his son onto her. "He's finally home." She embraced him in a hug, the son finally returning to his mother.

I could not have been happier in that moment seeing Edward reunited with the family he had lost so long ago, with the family he loved so much. He held his mother tightly, almost afraid to let her go, and I shed a tear, thankful that they could all be together again.

We had to have been there a good 20 minutes before Edward finally pulled away to introduce me. I didn't mind, he just wanted to spend the time with his family, and I could understand that.

"Esme, Carlisle, this is Isabella," he said to them proudly.

"Ah so this is the girl who has stolen Edward's heart," Carlisle chuckled as he shook my hand.

I laughed. "It's a pleasure to meet you, sir."

"Please, call me Carlisle."

"It's so lovely to meet you, dear," smiled Esme as she held me in a motherly hug.

"You too," I said, a little breathless after being held so tight. It didn't matter; it was good to feel welcome. I was technically meeting the parents after all!

After pleasantries were over, we all made our way into the house, carrying the bags with us. Well, if I was impressed with the outside, then the inside of the house was magnificent. It was full of creams and colors, everything so beautiful and old fashioned, yet complemented with more modern touches. The house was perfect.

"Your house is so beautiful," I said, gazing around.

"I designed it myself," Esme said.

"It's amazing."

"Why thank you."

Whilst Edward got to know his parents a little better, catching up with them and sharing stories, I thought it best to sort out our bags and unpack. Knowing I was a little lost about where to go, Esme was thankfully on hand to help me. "Edward's room is at the far end of the hall to the left."

Now knowing my destination, I set off for Edward's room, carrying our bags with me.

I could not resist giggling when I entered his room. It was just… so typically him. It just radiated of Edward, everything about it so wonderful. The large leather sofa by the far wall, the shelves upon shelves of CDs, covering the walls almost like wallpaper, the desk covered in papers, no doubt from his time at school before he was taken. Even the color of the walls, blue, reminded me of him. I instantly loved the room after knowing it was a part of who he was. The double bed on the right confused me a little as I knew vampires did not sleep, but I thought nothing of it as I put our bags down.

Slowly walking over to the bed, I just sat down and let out a breath, allowing everything to catch up with me…

So this was home for now, living here in this amazing house with Esme and Carlisle. This was where I would be hidden; this was where I would be kept safe… this was the only place that Edward and I could be happy together. No one would frown upon us here, no one would try and break us apart, and we would not have to remain a secret so long as we stayed here.

We could finally be ourselves…

Gazing around the room, I took it all in, committing it all to memory, the blue of the walls, the soft feel of the carpet, the many books that were scattered across his floor… All of it was him.

No sooner had my eyes begun their search did they hit something, stopping them in their tracks. A photo was standing neatly upon his bed side table in a frame, pride of place upon the piece of furniture. Leaning forward, I took it in my hands, wiping away the dust and I looked at it closely.

The picture was of a man and a woman, with a teenage boy in the middle of them. The photo was in black and white and looked extremely old and antique. But what shocked me the most was the teenage boy. I recognized him straight away… it was impossible not to.

Edward stood in the middle of the man and woman, a smile on his face, his body standing there tall and proud. He could not have looked older than 16. He looked so handsome, his hair slicked and his clothes neat. This must have been Edward when he was human, it had to have been. I brushed my fingers across the glass of the frame, letting my eyes take in every feature…

"You alright, Love?" came a voice. I turned around to see my vampire standing in the doorway, his eyes full of love, and his face full of care. God, how I loved him!

"I'm fine," I replied. "Just looking at an old photo."

He approached me before sitting next to me on the bed. He looked down at the photo with adoration. "That photo was taken in 1916, I was 15 years old."

15. Well, I wasn't that far off!

"Who are the people next to you?" I pondered.

He smiled a knowing smile then, almost as if he were remembering something. "My parents… my biological parents. Edward and Elizabeth Masen."

"Wow," I whispered, looking back down at the photo. So this was Edward's real mother and father. They people who had raised him, the people who had brought him into this world, and the people I would be grateful to forever. This was them, and I could not help but grin.

"I don't remember much about them," he continued. "Most of my human memories disappeared when I became a vampire, but I'll always love them and be grateful to them for what they did for me."

"Did you ever visit them after you were turned?"

"No. They died of Spanish influenza just before Carlisle found me."

"Oh, I'm sorry," I said, rubbing his arm gently.

"You have nothing to be sorry for," he told me. "They were wonderful people and they lived wonderful lives. That all that matters."

"You're right," I said before leaning forward and gently kissing his cheek. I looked back to the photo. "I can't believe how handsome you look."

"Why, you saying I don't look handsome now?" Edward teased.

"Of course not," I said, resting my head on his shoulder. "Now you just look… perfect." And he did, there really was no other word to describe Edward Cullen. He was just… perfect.

"Perfect?" he asked, wrapping his arms around my body, pulling me to him. "I've never heard that one before."

"You are though," I said in earnest. "You really are perfect; you're everything I could wish for. I don't know how someone like you could seriously want someone like me. You're too good for me… for anyone. You deserve only the best, Edward. You-"

Almost suddenly his lips crashed onto mine, hungry and needy, pulling me in merely with their touch. I was a little uprised by it at first, but I soon, closed my eyes and got lost in it. I threaded my hand into his hair, pulling and grabbing as his hands went to my hips and my back. The photo was all but forgotten as he laid me down on the bed, never breaking the kiss once.

"You're right," he said as his lips left mine and carried on down my neck, kissing and caressing the skin. My face was flushed and my heart was thumping, my body relishing in his touch. "I do deserve only the best."

"You do deserve the best," I said between breaths. "You truly do."

His lips finally went to mine again, kissing me gently before he pulled away and looked deeply into my eyes, gold meeting brown. "And the best, Isabella Swan is you. Always remember that. You are what I need, what I will always need. You are pure perfection to me, the one person I can't live without. Never think that you don't deserve me, because in truth it is I who doesn't deserve you. You should be loved… worshipped… adored, and I can only hope you will continue to allow me to be the person who does that for you… because I don't know what I'd do without you in my life."

Oh… wow…

"I love you," I whispered, letting my Soother know that it was him I wanted, and only him... and that's the way it would be forever.

He carefully brushed my hair from my face, cupping my head in his hands. "And I love you too, more than you will ever know," he answered, placing his lips upon mine once again…